One thing, however, I know with certainty: violence, or the direct threat of violence, of the kind we have seen in the past few days, is totally unjustified as a response to any published word or image.
Timothy Garton AshRead
Developments in information technology and globalised media mean that the most powerful military in the history of the world can lose a war, not on the battlefield of dust and blood, but on the battlefield of world opinion.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Public perception can impact military outcomes more than physical battles.
This quote emphasizes the idea that in the modern age, the influence of information technology and global media shapes public opinion, which can outweigh traditional military strength. It suggests that how a war is perceived by the world can be just as crucial as the actual combat that takes place, highlighting the importance of communication and public relations in warfare.
Themes
MilitaryOpinionTechnologyWarMedia
In practice
Example use cases
In a debate on military strategy, one could quote this to highlight the role of media.
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All quotes →That said, the question remains: how to strike the balance between free speech and mutual respect in this mixed-up world, both blessed and cursed with instant communication? We should not fight fire with fire, threats with threats.
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